Anyone using a graphics tablet?

[Gerry]

Wacom, Intuos, Adesso, Manhattan, DigiPro etc...

I would like to get one to start using and perhaps start doing some illustrations on.

I have been approached about illustrating some books (childrens books actually).

I know there are many out there. I know the name Wacom the most because that is the most common name I have seen.

For those that are using these, which one do you have, how is the learning curve, and which software are you using with them?

Thanks in advance.

g

 

[HasRob]

I have the wacom, use it with cs4 for photography.

 

[Gerry]

I have the wacom, use it with cs4 for photography.

What size tablet is it?

Is it comfortable for you? Too big or too small?

 

[HasRob]

get the big one.

 

[Gerry]

Thanks, Has Rob.

I won an Adesso 12x9 on eBay (supposedly one week old - guy's daughter went back to college and does not need it).

It has gotten good reviews.

I'll try it out. I do have my eyes on a new Wacom 4 wireless.

A big tablet obviously has a big footprint.

I have a flatpanel LCD monitor not being used at another desk. So, I might need to set up a graphics station.

 

[Mike Cruz]

Hrm, I had always wanted to get one of these, as I really like to sketch and are pretty good at it, but I never liked how the tablets I have tried felt and how the sketches would come out. I have only tried a couple in the past, curious to see how that one turns out for you. If you can, when you get it, post some samples.

 

[Gerry]

If you can, when you get it, post some samples.

Don't hold your breath. It is a matter of learning the tablet and software(s).

I want to see if it can help my productivity.

I may be illustrating some books that have the same characters, just different scenarios.

Its a project that I have been putting off for a while.

I am more inclined to do the illustrations by hand. But one author is talking about an extensive series.

So, I'll see if I can teach myself and if it actually saves time in the long run.

 

[Mike Cruz]

Don't hold your breath. It is a matter of learning the tablet and software(s).

I want to see if it can help my productivity.

I may be illustrating some books that have the same characters, just different scenarios.

Its a project that I have been putting off for a while.

I am more inclined to do the illustrations by hand. But one author is talking about an extensive series.

So, I'll see if I can teach myself and if it actually saves time in the long run.

Usually the best way to do it.

By any chance do you know of a site with samples of what you can do [realistically] with these tablets?

 

[HasRob]

The tablet I have comes with a pen, the harder you press down the more of an effect it has on what your doing with different pen pressure settings and brushes being used. As for what they can do they can do anything. From processing, painting digital photos to doing realistic 3d art. They are a must for any serious photographer/photoshop artist.

Want to take it a step further? They make a monitor you can draw/paint/design also. See this link > http://tv.adobe.com/watch/photoshopcafe-tv/comic-art-on-a-wacom-cintiq-in-photoshop-cs4/

Warning, they are far from cheap though.

 

[Mike Cruz]

I have looked up some info on them and what I seem to find is work that looks like it was photshopped on the tablet's screen for the sake of marketing...

 

[HasRob]

LOL Zurc, and why wouldnt they do that? You sound like you dont believe they work or something?

99% of the 3d art you see on video games, movie dvd's etc are done on these tablets. More info > http://www.wacom.com/industries/

 

[Gerry]

The tablet I have comes with a pen, the harder you press down the more of an effect it has on what your doing with different pen pressure settings and brushes being used. As for what they can do they can do anything. From processing, painting digital photos to doing realistic 3d art. They are a must for any serious photographer/photoshop artist.

Want to take it a step further? They make a monitor you can draw/paint/design also. See this link > http://tv.adobe.com/watch/photoshopcafe-tv/comic-art-on-a-wacom-cintiq-in-photoshop-cs4/

Warning, they are far from cheap though.

I hear ya on that!

Honestly, that is the most practical way to use a digital device like that...actually touch the object you are working on.

I am hoping it works out for me. I don't mind illustrating by hand (not to mention they make great framed artwork) but one author has enough material for at least 12 books.

 

[Mike Cruz]

LOL Zurc, and why wouldnt they do that? You sound like you dont believe they work or something?

99% of the 3d art you see on video games, movie dvd's etc are done on these tablets. More info > http://www.wacom.com/industries/

Lol, of course the companies will do that. But what I am referring to is the people who build reviews on them. And I am not saying I don't believe they work... what are you reading? lol. Last time I looked into them was 3-4 years ago and I was not impressed with the low quality of the tablets I tried. It's always been something I wanted to get, but afraid of spending money on one and it's not what I want. I haven't really looked into them lately but I did again about a year ago and couldn't find any good / legitimate reviews... hence the reason I asked if you all knew of any.

Relax

 

[Theo]

Wacom Cintiq

 

[Mike Cruz]

Cool video for the Wacom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZQWhOCEc3s

 

[Gerry]

Wacom Cintiq

Yessiree...or the $1999 model.

I'll stick with a basic model to get up to speed on and then jump up.

I like the wireless models they are coming out with. For my overcrowded desk, that may be the way to go.

Theo, do you remember when digital imaging was so crazy stupid high that the cost was typically in the thousands per hour?? or half hour?

 

[DNabc]

I have a cheap Wacom CTF-420 but I haven't used it as I imagined...

 

[Gerry]

I've got to make some changes to my desk-mess to use it, but I will be going with either the Large or xlarge model.

I'll be learning the tablet, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop at the same time which may make it difficult.

But if it can do what I am hoping it will accomplish, it will save me countless hours from having to hand painting countless illustrations and characters, although I may do some for the heck of it.

 

[Theo]

Doc, the 21" is overkill, unless you have a "long stroke", a dedicated desk just for the tablet and are already proficient in Adobe applications.

 

[Gerry]

Doc, the 21" is overkill, unless you have a "long stroke", a dedicated desk just for the tablet and are already proficient in Adobe applications.

Going with the 12x19. Just ordered it.

I have a computer and monitor that I can set up to be dedicated to that. I'll set up a common "server" (1tb external HD) to handle and share files, I do have the space available thanks to a wireless printer (everyone needs one of those).

As for too big, well...the good news is the smaller ones are readily available and usually on sale somewhere.

It may be overkill but, I plan on becoming very proficient as quickly as possible, especially if it is compatible with my current graphics software that I use daily.

Its going to be nerve racking, frustrating, and fun learning how to use this and seeing the final product.

I am doing this as I am more and more inclined to work with two Children's books authors and illustrate their books.

I may have to initially draw out the main characters in line drawings, and then be able to manipulate the shapes and colors and shadows.

Pretty exciting, actually - to pick up some new tools and put them to use.